Lena Joy Henselin

Lena’s Story

Lena Joy Henselin was born Catalena Collette Marie Cooper on June 11, 2016, to Lorena Cooper. Lena lived with the Henselin family for a year before being reunited with her brothers in Oneida for 16 months. She then returned to the Henselins and was adopted. A few years later her fervent prayers for a little sister were answered, and Merci was added to the family.

Lena loved music, skateboarding, playing guitar and spending time with friends. She enjoyed being the boss of Zach and Merci, goofing around with Joel on the trampoline, and having Isaiah coach her in basketball. Lena was an animal lover and took very good care of her bunny Jake, or Jakey as she called him. She was homeschooled and participated in Classical Conversations, Co-op, and was a fantastic supporter at NEWCHAA basketball games. She was happiest holding a baby. John Muir Park was her favorite hangout in the summer where she made many friends from the neighborhood.

In addition to the Henselin family, Lena was blessed to be part of a large birth family. She loved to meet up with her siblings Malakai, Leandar, Josiah, Giovanni, Ayden, Cain, and Ophelia. Lorena, Christa, Dodo and Paul were also very special to her.

 Lena struggled with anxiety, but she found much comfort in Jesus, memorized Bible verses, spending time in nature, and in the promise of heaven. Recently she had become fascinated with cloud watching and often mentioned seeing Jesus hugging her in the clouds.

Lena was creative, loving and her generous spirit will be missed here on earth. There will never be anyone like her. Her smile could light up the room. We rejoice today that she is safe at home with Jesus and some of her beloved family members, especially her siblings Merci and Joel.

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you. Before you were born, I set you apart.” Jeremiah 1:5